Friday, May 4, 2018

Retirement Phase Two

Retirement part two has commenced. I'm officially finished with my sub job. 
How did it go? 

Saxon Phonics

I had a class of nine energetic and fun second grade boys. 
These boys are adorable. They quickly adapted to having a new teacher and they were a great help while I learned the routine. 
I've taught 2, 3 and 4 year olds. I've taught 1st, 3rd and 4th grades. 
This was the first time I've spent any time in 2nd grade. 
I have to say that it is fun! 
We studied quite a few interesting topics. 
Homophones, homonyms, synonyms, contractions, biographies, letter writing, pioneers, multiplication and division were a few.  
We talked about Joseph, Abraham and Moses during Bible. 


Pinterest is an amazing resource. Our second day of multiplication was confusing for them. 
Pinterest became a resource with tips on how to teach arrays. 

These kids diagram sentences like high schoolers. 


The Shurley English curriculum is no joke. My co-teacher came the rescue many times. 
The past nine weeks have flown by. 


I was able to keep a handle on things at home. 
We don't do our own yard work but I do all my own inside chores.  
I did a chore or two every morning in order to keep things clean. 
Each work day was about 10,000 steps so I was pretty tired at night. 
Bill helped with the laundry which saved the day. 


I enjoyed having someplace to go and dressing up was fun. 


I got our annuals and seeds planted. I thinned and weeded some of the flower beds. 


There is nothing like the fellowship of other teachers when they get along. I was on a fabulous team. 
 I was able to visit with my old team before a few of them quit at the end of this year. 
It was also a privilege to work along the mom of one of my former students.
 It's something I will always treasure.

Society places a lot of importance on having a career.


At times I felt a little without my bearings when I retired. Upon my return, the parents and the school bestowed appreciation which in turn helped fill an empty spot lurking during this transition phase. 


I have briefly entertained the idea of going to teach at another school. I don't know that I will but it is nice to know that I still love teaching. 



I'm a big believer in the truth that God directs our path. 
Circumstances were leading me to retire last year. I wasn't always sure why it was happening a few years before we had planned. 
This temporary teaching assignment has been something good that came out of something that wasn't ideal. 
I'm thankful for the opportunity to serve these students, parents and my co-teachers. 
My blog has been neglected but I needed a blogging break. 
I can't wait to see what the next weeks and months will bring. 
Thanks for coming by and following along. 
Have a great weekend. 
Katie 

3 comments :

  1. It sounds a little like you aren't ready to be finished with teaching, Katie. :)

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  2. Katie,
    Many retired teachers, counselors, administrators, paraprofessionals I know, myself included, have worked as either substitutes or as part-time workers after we retired. Most of us love the job, and enjoy working a LITTLE, but not full time.

    Judith

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  3. I'd say you've been seriously productive and good for you. I love not having to work because there is so much other fun stuff to do but I know many others who felt a bit at sea after. The part time sub idea is a really good one. No matter where things take you, I know you'll find joy.

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